Naema Tandao 
Florence Simiyu
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz continued his fine form this season, scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win against Paris St Germain.
The victory at Emirates Stadium launched the London club’s Champions League campaign after a tough away draw against Atalanta in their opening match. With the pressure on to deliver a result at home, Mikel Arteta’s men rose to the occasion against last year’s semi-finalists.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when German forward Havertz, who has been in superb form, headed in his fifth goal of the season.
The goal was set up by Leandro Trossard, who was afforded too much space on the left, lofting a perfect cross for Havertz to nod home past a stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal’s early lead put them in control against a PSG side that had won their opening game against Girona.Just 15 minutes later, Arsenal doubled their advantage in fortunate circumstances.
A free kick from Bukayo Saka, delivered into a crowded penalty area, somehow found its way into the back of the PSG net. The ball evaded everyone, including Donnarumma, who was left red-faced as Arsenal took a commanding 2-0 lead before halftime.
PSG, despite their strong start to the group phase, struggled to get back into the game. They hit the woodwork twice, once in each half, but could not find a way past Arsenal’s defense. Their attempts to increase the tempo after the break came up short, leaving them with little complaint about the final outcome.
The result pushed Arsenal into the top eight of the 36-team league format, while PSG will look to bounce back against PSV Eindhoven.
Confidence was evident throughout Arsenal’s play, even against a seasoned European opponent coached by Luis Enrique. The Gunners nearly had a perfect start to the match when goalkeeper David Raya’s long clearance skidded on the wet surface, almost allowing Gabriel Martinelli to capitalize.
That early chance was a warning of Arsenal’s intent. PSG had opportunities of their own, with Nuno Mendes striking the post shortly after Havertz’s opener.
However, it was Arsenal who remained more clinical. Saka’s goal, while lucky, continued PSG’s miserable run of 20 Champions League away matches without a clean sheet a streak dating back four years.Luis Enrique’s decision to leave forward Ousmane Dembele out of the squad for disciplinary reasons did little to help PSG’s second-half comeback hopes.
Arsenal, on the other hand, looked more likely to extend their lead, with Martinelli’s volley well saved by Donnarumma and Havertz’s second header lacking power.As the game progressed, Arsenal’s energy levels began to dip, prompting Arteta to introduce new signing Mikel Merino for his first appearance.
The substitute didn’t have a major impact, but Arsenal remained solid defensively, stifling PSG’s late pressure.PSG pushed hard in the final minutes, with Joao Neves hitting the crossbar from close range and Lee Kang-in forcing a good save from Raya.
Despite the late threats, Arsenal managed the game expertly, keeping PSG at bay and sending out a strong statement in their quest for European success.The victory not only gave Arsenal a much-needed boost but also established them as serious contenders in the Champions League this season.
With momentum building, their next match at home to Shakhtar Donetsk after the international break will be crucial in maintaining their positive form.
